Susan Davis: “I want the women who have served in uniform to know one thing. Some of us in Congress understand your struggle, and we…”

“I want the women who have served in uniform to know one thing. Some of us in Congress understand your struggle, and we are fighting for you. Shockingly, the Republican budget adopts significant increases to out-of-pocket costs for our women retirees who depend on the TRICARE program for their health care. Managed care enrollment fees for senior enlisted women retirees would double, and those for retired female officers would triple. I have serious doubts about the validity of any projected cost savings from these fee increases. It is insulting to even think of shifting such costs onto the backs of the brave women who have sacrificed so much and so selflessly. Moreover, this budget sends a terrible message to our past and present servicewomen at a time when we should be doing all that we can to appreciate and to reward their contributions. The United States made a promise to these women and to every woman before them who has worn the uniform. This Nation promised to take care of them, and the Republican budget just does not fulfill that promise. ____________________”